Kalona

The second annual K9 Cornhole Fundraiser, hosted by the Washington County Sheriff's office, took place last Saturday in SouthTown, Kalona.

The event raises money to support the Washington County Sheriff's office K9 unit.

Before the tournament began, the weather was less than ideal, and it appeared that many participants might have to play in the rain. However, the rain stopped and the sun came out shortly before the tournament started, allowing everyone to enjoy the event.

In addition to the cornhole tournament, the fundraiser featured a silent auction, a tennis ball drop, food, refreshments and live music from Redneck Reload.

During the tennis ball drop, a volunteer went up in a crane and dropped all the balls. The two lucky winners received a hog from Brenneman Pork.

Both canines, Dzamal and Rino, also made special appearances throughout the fundraiser.

Dzamal is about 7 years old, and his handler is Sgt. Nolan Burke, who organized the event alongside Officer Ethan Hansen, Rino’s handler. The department added Rino in 2025, and Hansen had only been working with him for about a week before last year’s inaugural fundraiser.

K9 Demonstration

During the fundraiser, the crowd had the opportunity to watch a live K9 demonstration and see Rino in action.

The demonstration took place while the tournament was underway, with Officer Dreyson Robe volunteering to serve as the agitator. Before Rino was taken out of the police vehicle, Robe put on all of his protective gear to prepare for a bite from Rino.

When Rino was brought out of the vehicle, his handler, Officer Ethan Hansen, held him on a long leash. Before Hansen gave the go-ahead, Rino was foaming at the mouth.

Once Hansen gave the command, Rino took off and bit Robe several times. Two demonstrations were held, giving many attendees the chance to watch one live for the first time.

Even though Robe was wearing plenty of protective gear, he said the bites still hurt. After the demonstration ended, Robe explained that his arm was in some pain.

The two K9 units

The Washington County Sheriff's office has two K9 units, led by the fundraiser’s organizers, Sgt. Burke and Officer Hansen. 

Burke is Dzamal’s handler, while Hansen works with Rino.

The two dogs are slightly different. Dzamal is a full German Shepherd, while the younger Rino is a Dutch Shepherd.

Those who attended Saturday’s fundraiser may have noticed that Dzamal was a little friendlier. Rino is a good family pet, but according to Hansen, he is more of a working dog.

Hansen explained more about Rino. “He’s a very active dog who always wants to work. He’s still affectionate and spends time with my family, but he’s a working dog at heart and wants to do his job.”

While both dogs spent time around attendees during the event, Dzamal was more eager to meet different people, be petted and pose for photos with Burke.

However, Dzamal can also become aggressive when the situation calls for it.

Both are good K9s, but they have different personalities.

Last year's success

Money raised during last year’s event helped cover the cost of acquiring Rino from Tree Town Kennels, along with his equipment and ongoing operational expenses.

During a recent interview, Officer Hansen explained how the money raised through the fundraiser supports the program.

“All the money we raise goes directly toward the K9 program. It helps cover vet bills, emergencies, equipment, training and K9 schools. We also want to continue this fundraiser to help with future costs, including bringing in new K9s when Dzamal and Rino eventually retire.”

Last year’s fundraiser raised more than $40,000.

Organizers held the event again this year to continue raising money for the entire K9 unit.

Raffled items

Throughout the day, numerous items were auctioned off. Those items included RTIC Coolers, 24 pack of beer, Scooters gift cards, Raising Canes gift cards and lunch box, 12‑pack of TigerHawk beer, tumblers, fireball shooters, koozies, Washington County Sheriff’s K-9 unit cornhole/bag boards made in Wellman, TV`s, some Yeti gear, Kinetic Dog Food, Blackstone Griddle and much more.

Sponsors

The event received support from numerous sponsors, with each one displayed on the cornhole boards.

This year’s sponsors were The Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, WCRF, KCTC, Northwestern Mutual, WCHC, Mellinger and Sons Construction, Wellman Telephone, River Products Company, Kalonial Lawn Care, LL Pelling, C S Auto Body, Highland Hideaway, PSI, Knupp Farms, Bulltown Repair, Iowa Collision and Paint, Strabala Grounds Management, Roder Epoxy, Gingrich Well and Pump Service, Home Gas, Yoder-Powell Funeral Home, Double K Enterprises, Laser Crane, Statler Construction, English River Concrete, Hills Bank, Kalona Realty, Washington State Bank, Hershberger Enterprises, King Insurance/Farm Bureau, Edward Jones, Mitchell Allen CPA, Open Gates Group and CBI Bank.

The goal

Although the primary goal of the fundraiser was to raise money for the K9 Department, organizers also wanted to give community members and first responders an opportunity to come together, as Hansen explained.

“Our ultimate goal is to continue raising money to support the future of the K9 program, while also bringing the community and first responders together. You don’t have to play bags to be part of the event. People can come out, enjoy the live music and interact with law enforcement and other first responders in a more relaxed setting. We want it to be a fun community event that supports a great cause.”